Are Electronic Cigarettes legal in Australia?

Smoking cigarettes has been proven to be harmful to overall health. E-cigarettes have become a regulated healthier alternative to cigarettes in many parts of the world and, in turn, have become a consumer draw. However, e-cigarettes aren’t legal in all cities or countries whether it be using the product, or importing product. If you live, work, or are planning a trip to Australia and are looking into an e-cigarette alternative you will want to know if you can use them or sell them in that part of the world.

What Are E-Cigarettes and Regulated Nicotine Replacement?

E-cigarettes are an electronic system that delivers nicotine to the user without harmful smoke. Only vapor or mist is emitted when being used. According to the Australian Government Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration, e-cigarettes have not been tested for overall safety or as a Nicotine Replacement Product. There are concerns about health and safety when using e-cigarettes with nicotine in Australia.

Nicotine Replacement Devices are considered a therapeutic good like nicotine patches. E-cigarettes have not been passed as a therapeutic device. If you want to sell or distribute e-cigarettes as a tobacco replacement aid you will have to petition the Therapeutic Goods Administration and prove that there are no harmful side effects when using e-Cigarettes that contain nicotine as a tobacco replacement therapy.

Are E-Cigarettes Illegal in Australia?

It is illegal to sell e-cigarettes and accessories in Australia that contain any traces of nicotine. Therefore, companies that are based in Australia sell e-cigarettes that contain no nicotine whatsoever.

However, the Australian government has made it possible for e-cigarette users to buy e-cigarettes and accessories for personal use from other countries via the internet. You will be able to buy a 3 month supply of nicotine based e-cigarettes internationally. You will not be able to have more than 15 supplies imported to you from another country within a year.

Keep in mind that the separate states and territories in Australia do have their own regulations regarding e-cigarettes containing nicotine. Make sure you check with the proper office before importing nicotine based e-cigarettes.

Public Bans On Use Of E-Cigarettes

Some states in Australia, like Queensland, have banned e-cigarette usage in public places. They have also outlawed regular tobacco use in public, as well as advertising and underage sales. The law states that a user in public can be fined. Also, shops that allow public use can be fined as well.

In the state of Western Australia, e-cigarettes have been banned completely, however, regular cigarettes are still very legal. Employers in Australia have been advised that they can ban the use of e-cigarettes at work by employees because of the unknown side effects that may be caused to others by their use.

There are many differing beliefs regarding the safety of e-cigarettes as opposed to regular cigarettes. Members of The World Health Organization have called for a lift on restrictions because e-cigarettes can be used to help regular smokers quit smoking. Others are citing problems with nicotine concentrations. Some may be too strong, or not strong enough for the consumer. They also have warned against buying defective e-cigarettes that can cause injury when used.